MSI A320M Pro-C Quick Start Guide

MSI A320M Pro-C manual cover
Pages 165
Year 2020
Language(s)
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MSI A320M Pro-C Specification

The MSI A320M Pro-C is a micro-ATX motherboard designed for budget-conscious users seeking reliable performance for AMD processors. It supports AMD Ryzen, 7th Generation A-series, and Athlon processors with the AM4 socket, making it a versatile choice for a range of CPU options. The motherboard features two DIMM slots, allowing for up to 32GB of DDR4 memory, with speeds up to 3200 MHz when overclocked. Despite its compact form factor, the A320M Pro-C includes a variety of connectivity options. It offers one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot for a graphics card, enhancing the potential for gaming and graphical applications, alongside two PCIe 2.0 x1 slots for additional expansion cards.

Storage capabilities are robust with four SATA 6Gb/s ports, supporting RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 10 configurations, providing flexible storage solutions. The board includes one M.2 slot, supporting both SATA and PCIe NVMe SSDs, which facilitates faster data transfer rates. Integrated Realtek ALC887 audio chipset provides 7.1-channel high-definition audio, enhancing the multimedia experience. Networking is handled through a Realtek 8111H Gigabit LAN controller, ensuring stable and fast internet connectivity.

For input and output, the MSI A320M Pro-C is equipped with a range of ports including USB 3.1 Gen1 and USB 2.0 for peripheral connectivity, VGA, HDMI outputs for display options, and PS/2 ports for legacy keyboard and mouse support. The motherboard also includes essential BIOS features such as Click BIOS 5 for easy tuning and troubleshooting. Designed for efficiency and practicality, the MSI A320M Pro-C offers a balanced combination of features suitable for everyday computing tasks.

MSI A320M Pro-C F.A.Q.

How do I update the BIOS on my MSI A320M Pro-C motherboard?

To update the BIOS on your MSI A320M Pro-C, download the latest BIOS version from the MSI official website. Extract the files and copy them to a USB drive. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS setup by pressing the 'Del' key during boot. Use the M-FLASH utility to select the BIOS file from your USB drive and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.

What are the compatible RAM specifications for the MSI A320M Pro-C?

The MSI A320M Pro-C supports DDR4 memory with speeds up to 3200 MHz (OC). It can accommodate a maximum of 32GB across two DIMM slots. Ensure to check the motherboard's QVL list on the MSI website for compatibility with specific RAM models.

How can I troubleshoot a system that won't boot on the MSI A320M Pro-C?

Begin by checking all cable connections and ensuring components are seated properly. Clear the CMOS by removing the battery or using the jumper method. Test with minimal components (one RAM stick, no GPU if integrated graphics is available). If the problem persists, consider swapping components with known working ones to isolate the faulty part.

Can the MSI A320M Pro-C support overclocking?

The MSI A320M Pro-C has limited overclocking capabilities due to its A320 chipset. While you might slightly overclock RAM, CPU overclocking is generally not supported on this motherboard. For overclocking, consider a B-series or X-series motherboard.

How do I enable virtualization on the MSI A320M Pro-C?

To enable virtualization, enter the BIOS setup by pressing 'Del' during boot. Navigate to the 'Advanced' tab, find the 'SVM Mode' option, and set it to 'Enabled'. Save the changes and exit the BIOS.

What should I do if my MSI A320M Pro-C is not detecting all installed RAM?

Ensure that RAM sticks are properly seated in the correct DIMM slots. Check if the RAM is compatible with the motherboard. Test each RAM module individually to identify if one is faulty. Updating the BIOS can also resolve compatibility issues.

How do I connect front panel connectors to the MSI A320M Pro-C?

Refer to the motherboard manual for the front panel header pin layout. The pins are usually labeled for power switch, reset switch, HDD LED, and power LED. Connect each wire from the case to the corresponding pin on the motherboard.

Does the MSI A320M Pro-C support NVMe SSDs?

No, the MSI A320M Pro-C does not have an M.2 slot and therefore does not support NVMe SSDs directly. You can use a PCIe adapter for NVMe SSDs, but it is recommended to check compatibility and performance considerations.

How can I reset the BIOS settings to default on the MSI A320M Pro-C?

To reset the BIOS, enter the BIOS setup during boot by pressing 'Del'. Navigate to the 'Exit' tab and select 'Load Optimized Defaults'. Confirm the selection and exit the BIOS, saving changes. Alternatively, you can clear the CMOS by using the jumper or removing the battery.

What graphics cards are compatible with the MSI A320M Pro-C?

The MSI A320M Pro-C has a PCIe 3.0 x16 slot and supports most modern graphics cards. Ensure your power supply can handle the power requirements of the GPU. It's also advisable to verify GPU dimensions against your case size to ensure proper fit.